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I need your help! I am almost finished redoing my kitchen and thought I ordered enough cover plates for all the new electrical work. The SWMBO wanted an additional outlet adjacent to my light switch and disposal switch. No biggie. Everything up to code and works fine. The problem is: My vendor does not sell that type of configuration [2 switches one outlet]. Oh did I mention that the other plates that I did order are pewter.
Does anybody know of a source where I can get this type of coverplate??? TIA
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I had some of the same problems getting plates to match the configuration of devices in multiple gang boxes. Next time I won't assume there are cover plates to fit.
Have you already opened the wall and expanded or replaced the box? Maybe you're still roughing and it's still all open. Think about a single gang width switch device with two switches included in vertical alignment (the togges go left-right rather than up-down), maybe you can get a plate to fit that.
As an aside, if that outlet is above a Kitchen counter surface it probably has to be GFI, be sure you can fit the device and the wiring splices in a single gang box. If the inspector requires a grounding wire to the GFI you may find there's not enough side clearance even if there is enough "cable fill" in the back.
*Check to see if there is a 3-gang Decora plate available. If so you can use Decora type devices, which all have the same opening. I never put a disposer switch in a box with a light switch, too confusing.
*Leviton makes a plastic cover plate that's duplex and double toggle, so hope is not lost -- at least it's a recognized configuration. Rejuvenation Lamp doesn't have that configuration, but I'd bet that checking with some of the larger suppliers, like Van Dyke's, may get you what you want. Look in FHB and Old House Journal for sources.Why would a single gang, double toggle switch be confusing for disposal and lights?
*It's actually no more confusing than any other multiple switch set up, just more anoying when you flip the wrong switch and instead of the light turning on the disposer makes an ungodly unexpected noise. This is especially bad before the morning coffee, which is when it's most likely to happen. The disposer switch should be located well away from areas of accidental contact.
*You can also mix switch types to distinguish devices. That assumes of course you can remember which one is which especially pre-coffee.We installed three switches out of view under an upper cabinet next to the sink and used 2 flat rocker switches for the lights and a toggle for the disposal, so you can tell by feel. As long as you remember there are two lights and only one disposal it's no problem.
*I gotta go with Mike here. I hate having to think about which switch is which before flipping it. And me having to think pre-coffee is largely a theoretical thing anyway. Half the time I think, then i pick the wrong one ... and guests never get it right.We've used the Decora-style flip switches -- surely your supplier does this coverplate style? The oulet-next-to-decora is an obscure combo for some reason. My only objection to the switch is that it has spring-loaded terminals -- mayeb there is a commercial version listed on the leviton site.
*Mike,Thanks for the explanation. I thought you were referring to the actual installation and wiring of the switch as being confusing. I have such a switch, and to prevent pre-coffee errors, the upper toggle is for the lights, and the lower one for the disposal. Primitive, pre-coffee logic says that the lights are above me, and the disposal is below me, and the switch is so arranged. Plus the upper toggle is more at hand. One might also wish to smear a little spaghetti sauce on the disposal toggle as a visual cue.
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I need your help! I am almost finished redoing my kitchen and thought I ordered enough cover plates for all the new electrical work. The SWMBO wanted an additional outlet adjacent to my light switch and disposal switch. No biggie. Everything up to code and works fine. The problem is: My vendor does not sell that type of configuration [2 switches one outlet]. Oh did I mention that the other plates that I did order are pewter.
Does anybody know of a source where I can get this type of coverplate??? TIA